Joining
us today is Brandon Balaban. Congrats on a great showing! What made you decide to compete in the Men’s Physique Division?
I have had many friends and family tell me that I should compete. I already planned on competing, I just didn’t’ think I was going to do it so quickly. Everyone is their own worst critic, and I didn’t feel I was ready for the stage. But, after all the positive feedback over the past 2 years I decided to take the first step and entered in an NPC show!
Can you tell us a little about the show in which you just competed?
I competed at the NPC Duel of Champions here in Omaha, NE in the Men‘s Physique Tall Class. Jack and Anne Titone did an amazing job at putting this all together and getting Tony Freeman to do the guest posing.
How did you feel after pre-judging?
After the athletes meeting the night before, and chatting with some of the other competitors, I really didn’t know what to think. Everyone always said just because you might be in center on stage doesn’t necessarily mean you are the best. But after not being moved from center stage, I had a good feeling!
How did you feel about the final results of the show?
I was extremely pleased with the results especially since I was competing against some solid guys. I placed 2nd in my division and qualified for Nationals!
What are your thoughts on the Men's Physique Division and what it may be able to do for your career?
I think that the Men’s Physique Division is a genius idea! Not everybody wants to be a full-time bodybuilder and not everybody wants that look. This division gives people a chance to have a little fun and showcase their hard work and keep them motivated. I believe competing will give me much more recognition and gives me the chance to meet some great people in the industry and help steer me in the right direction.
Age: 23
Hometown: Omaha, Ne
Current city: Omaha, Ne
Years training:5
Education: In college for Business Finance
Occupation: Truck Accessory Installer
Favorite type of training: PHAT (Power Hypertrophy Adaptive Training). I love lifting really heavy, but I also love the burn of the traditional bodybuilding hypertrophy training. So I incorporate both types using Layne Norton’s suggestion.
Favorite body part to train:
Contrary to popular belief, Men’s Physique athletes do train legs. I love squats! So I would say legs are my favorite.
Favorite exercise:
I would say Deadlifts are by far my favorite exercise. All muscles incorporated!
Rep range:
I vary my rep range quite often, but between 8-12 is a normal for me.
Number of sets:
For the first two exercises I will do 2-3 warm up sets, then 3-5 working sets.
Typical workout duration:
My workouts range between 45 minutes to 1 ½ hours.
Training split:
Monday - Upper Body Power then HIIT cardio
Tuesday- Lower Body Power
Wednesday - HIIT Cardio/Abs
Thursday - Chest/Back then HIIT
Friday- Biceps/Triceps then Abs
Saturday - Shoulders/ Legs
Sunday- Recovery
Typical daily eating plan:
I change this up a lot. To help me stay lean year round I will focus my carbs only at breakfast, pre workout and post workout. I’ll eat around 130g fat, 150-200g carbs and about 310g protein. Since I have a very fast metabolism I have 2-3 cheat meals spaced out every week.
Favorite supplement:
Whey! Whey protein makes it so much easier to hit that 300 mark on protein!
What peaked your interest in training?
My step dad is in amazing shape and actually got me started when I was just getting out of high school. After seeing even little body changes I thirsted for more!
Who influences/influenced your training?
Arnold! I have a huge poster of him staring me down when I wake up!
Sports:
I am a more contact sport kinda guy. I like playing backyard football and training in MMA
Special interests:
Hiking, Kayaking, Biking, Weightlifting and Camping!
Physique, fitness, bodybuilding competition history:
NPC Duel of Champions June 9th, 2012
Men’s Physique Tall Class
2nd Place - National Qualifier
Next planned competition:
My next competition is November 17th of this year in Council Bluffs, Iowa. NPC IFBB Iowa Pro
What keeps you on track towards reaching your goals?
Seeing all the success of friends in the fitness industry makes me strive to do better and better each and every day.
Interesting fact or something you would like our readers to know about you:
I am very outgoing, will talk to anyone and always making jokes. And when I say outgoing and I will talk to anyone, I mean that I will walk up to random people and just start talking to them. They might be in line buying a pop or in a library. Some people are kinda shocked and don’t know what to say because of my sudden approach.
Facebook:
Facebook Fan Page - https://www.facebook.com/extemefitness
Contact Information:
Contact Via Facebook or e-mail at [email protected]
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